Carpet stretching apparatus



March 31, i964 J. H. TREw CARPET sTRETcHING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Fld Oct. 8, 1962 INVENTOR JOHN H. TREW yfafQLA/y e? l/ W) March 31, 1964J, H, TREW 3,125,663

CARPET STRETCHING APPARATUS INVENTOR John H. Trew United States Patent O3,126,663 CARPET STRETCHING APPARATUS John H. 'Ii-ew, MeCandlessTownship, Allegheny County, Ia. (8151 Edwood Road, Pittsburgh 37, Pa.)Fired oct. s, 1962, ser. No. 229,779 7 Claims. (Cl. 45-24) Thisapparatus relates to apparatus for stretching a carpet to a desiredlength and maintaining it at that length to avoid shrinkage of thecarpet. The invention is particularly advantageous in stretching wetcarpet material to proper length after it has been cleaned and thenmaintaining the material stretched while the fibers dry.

This" application is a continuation-in-part of my copending applicationSerial No. 111,717, filed May 22,

1951, now abandoned.

It has long been known that when carpet is cleaned, the wetting of thefibers tends to shrink them. This does not create a problem with thewoof, or cross fibers, which are woven through the warp, or longitudinalfibers. The woof fibers are relatively loose when they are placed andthey are generally of relatively small size, so that shrinkage of themdoes not affect the width of the carpet material, even if it has beenwoven on a broad loom to a large width. The warp fibers are woven undertension, however, and shrinkage in them has a very appreciable effect onthe length of the material. It has been customary to employ variousdevices for the purpose of stretching the warp fibers of wet carpetwhile it dries for the purpose of keeping the length of carpet asdesired. Conventional schemes have included the use of frames to whichone end of the carpet is attached and which are then raised in the air.Weights are then hung from the other end of the carpet. In some casesthe carpet is hung over a bar and weights are attached to each end. Theprior art devices have all been subject to disadvantages. They require acareful determination of the amount of weight to be attached. Too smalla weight permits a partial shrinkage and results in a carpet beingshorter than desired. If too great a weight is attached, the carpet maybe overstretched and be to long when it has dried. Many of the prior artschemes have placed noticeable creases in the carpet.

I have invented new and useful carpet stretching apparatus which avoidthese shortcomings, which provide means for stretching a wet carpet toproper length as well as for maintaining the carpet stretched to theproper length while it is drying, which avoid deforming the carpet orputting any noticeable creases into it, which avoid shrinkage oroverstretching of the dried carpet, and which leave the ends of thecarpet intact and unmarred.

I provide a plurality of carpet stretching frames which are generallyplanar. I prefer to deform each frame by bending it along one sidethereby offsetting one edge of the frame out of the plane of the frame.I preferably form the frame of a plurality of spaced apart bar-likemembers and bend them in a curve at their ends on one side of the frame,the frame thereby defining a generally planar structure whichapproximates a section of a cylinder at one edge of the plane. The frameis adapted to receive carpet which lies upon and follows theplano-cylindrical surface. I form the frame member at the bent portionthereof of adequate solid material to require carpet placed over theframe to follow the bent portion of the frame and restrain it fromdescribing a tangent between the bent frame sections. I may attach asheet-like member at the bent portion of the frame and shape it t followthe curve of that part of the frame, the sheet-like member becomingeffectively a part 0f the frame. -I may also provide a plurality ofcross members in place of said sheetlike member. I hingedly connect theoffset edges of the two frames for movement between a flattened positionand lCC a folded position. I prefer to form the frame members ofsubstantially tubular sections. I preferably provide hinge means havinga plurality of extending portions adapted to fit within said tubularsections whereby the several frame members are joined to the hingemeans. I further provide transversely extending portions from said hingemeans whereby a plurality of frame members may be fitted together sideby side where large pieces of carpet are to be stretched.

I further provide carpet gripping means for each frame. I preferably fixsaid gripping means adjustably to the bar-like members comprising theframe for movement toward and away from the offset edge of the frame. Iprefer to provide carpet gripping means in which one tubular member isrotatably positioned within another tubular member. Preferably, Iprovide longitudinal slots in said tubular members which may be broughtinto registration or moved out of registration engaging the carpetbetween the edges of said slots. I further preferably provide lockingmeans for locking said tubular members into desired relative position. Ifurther preferably provide means to maintain the frame members in foldedposition at which time, because of the offset in the frame members, thedistance between the carpet gripping members will be greater than whenthe frame members are flat.

Other details, objects, and advantages of my invention will becomeapparent as the following description of certain present preferredembodiments thereof proceed.

In the accompanying drawings, I have illustrated certain presentpreferred embodiments of my invention in which FIGURE l is a side viewof a carpet stretching apparatus embodying one form of my invention inflattened position and with a length of wet carpet in place;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of my carpet stretching apparatus in foldedposition;

FIGURE 3 is an end View of the carpet stretching apparatus in foldedposition;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional View taken along line IV-IV of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional View taken along line VI-VI of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is a partial sectional view of the carpet stretching apparatusat the hinged joint;

FIGURE 8 is a side view of another form of my invention generallycorresponding to FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 9 is an end View of the apparatus shown in l FIGURE 8;

FIGURE l() is an enlarged view of the hinge means of the apparatus shownin FIGURES 8 and 9;

FIGURE 1l is an isometric view of the hinge means shown in FIGURE l0;

FIGURE l2 is an enlarged elevational view of the clamp means shown inFIGURE 9; and

FIGURE 13 is an isometric view of the clamp means shown in FIGURE 12.

The carpet stretching apparatus shown in FIGURES l to 8 comprises twogenerally planar frame members 1 and 2. Each frame member has threeL-shaped legs 3 which are preferably of ordinary angle stock. Each leghas a section 4 at the upper end which is bent over in a curve out ofthe plane of the frame member. Although the `frames are generallyplanar, the curved ends 4 of legsr3 bend out of that plane in agenerally cylindrical manner. The extremities of legs 3 which'dene oneedge of the frame have holes drilled in them and are hingedly connectedby a hinge member. A wing nut Ztl and screw 21 through the holes in eachof the opposed legs 3 may conveniently be employed as a hinge. A crossmember 5 which is also L-shaped in cross section extends transverselyacross the frame near its upper end and is welded to each of the legs 3.A sheet-like member 6 is welded on the outer face of the legs 3 andfollows the curved section 4 from cross member 5 around the curve 4 tothe end of the legs 3. The edge of the sheet along the edge of the framehas a rolled section 7 which will not cut carpeting stretched over theframe and which provides rigidity for the sheet where it is unsupportedbetween the ends of legs 3. Sheet 6 is preferably welded to legs 3 andcross member 5 and to the curved section 4 of legs 3. Member 6 ispreferably imperforate, or it may be perforated so long as it issufficiently solid to require carpet material placed over the frame tofollow the curved section 4 of legs 3.

A carpet gripping member is adjustably positioned to legs 3 transverselyof each frame. It comprises an L- shaped member 8 welded to clamps 9which are positioned to each of the legs 3. Each clamp 9 comprises anL-shaped section 10 which fits around leg 3 and has lips 11 and 12 whichencircle the edges of leg 3 and prevent the clamp from moving except bysliding along leg 3. A thumb screw 13 has threaded portion 14 whichengages a matching thread in the clamp and bears against leg 3. When thethumb screw is tightened it locks the clamp securely to leg 3.

When the frames are laid flat the span between them is substantiallyless than the distance around the bent portions. This will be readilyapparent from the geometry of the apparatus, the straight line of thecarpet being shorter than the two curved lines of the frame between thesame point. It will be apparent, therefore, that the length between thecarpet gripping members on the two frames is less when the frames arelaid at (FIGURE 1) than when the frames are folded (FIGURE 3) due to theoffset in the edges of the carpet gripping frames.

A number of holes 14 are drilled in member 8 and sharp pins or spikes 15are inserted in its holes and welded therein.

Two bars 16 and 17 are hinged to frame 2 at 18 and have a notch at theirother ends which drop over a pin at 19 thereby locking the carpetstretching frames in folded position as shown in FIGURES 2, 3, and 7.

In using the carpet stretching apparatus, the clamps 9 are loosened andthe carpet gripping members are moved up and down on legs 3 until thedistance from one carpet gripping member to the other around the top ofthe two frames when they are in folded position is slightly shorter thanthe length of the carpet. The frames are then laid flat as shown inFIGURE 1. The carpet, which will ordinarily be of shortened lengthbecause of shrinkage, is laid upon the frames and the ends are impaledupon pins 15. The frame is then folded which will stretch the carpetaround the frames since the offset causes the length along the framebetween the carpet gripping members to be increased when the frames arein folded position. In this manner, the carpet is stretched to afinished length while it is still Wet. Bars 16 and 17 are dropped overthe pins at 19 to lock the frames in position and the carpet is allowedto dry. It will, of course, be held at finished length throughout thedrying process so that when the carpet is dried it will be precisely thedesired length. The carpet material follows the gentle curve of theframes. When it is dry there are no sharp bends or creases to mar theappearance of the carpet material.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGURES 9 to 13 generally planarframe sections are provided. Each is formed of three legs 33 which areformed of tubular material and which have their ends bent into agenerally cylindrical form. Stretchers 34 are clamped to the legs 33adjacent their cylindrical sections. The cylindrical portions of legs 33terminate and are connected together by hinges 39. Carpet clamps 38 areadjustably clamped to legs 33. Locking bars 36 are clamped to one ofeach pair of opposed legs by a clamp 35 and are notched or slotted 4 toengage a pin 37 fastened to the opposite leg 33. A section of a carpetis stretched upon the apparatus as indicated at 40 (FIGURE 9). Thecarpet stretcher is comprised of a plurality of pairs of legs 33 which,when folded may be likened to a trestle bent, and which are joined inextended side by side relationship by Stretchers 34, carpet clamps 38,and members 41 extending between hinges 39.

Stretchers 34 are comprised of tubular members 42 which are positionedon the outside of legs 33 adjacent the curved portions thereof at eachof legs 33, a clamping bolt 44 is threaded into a hole in tube 42. Bolt44 extends through a hole in leg 33 from the opposite side of leg 33. Ashoulder 45 formed on bolt 44 bears against a pad 43 which fits adjacentleg 33 and permits tube 42 to be drawn tightly up against leg 33. Eitheror both of legs 33 and tube 42 may be flattened to give a greater commonbearing surface.

Each hinge 39 is comprised of two hinge bolts 44 and 45 which haveshanks 46 and 47 respectively on their free ends. The other ends of thehinge bolts terminate in pads 51 and 52 respectively which haveflattened surfaces adapted to be placed in juxtaposition and to permithingelike motion between hinge bolts 44 and 45. Extensions 48 and 50extend from the axis of rotation of the hinge bolts. A hinge pin 49formed integral with extension 48 extends through holes in the pads 51and 52 and is threaded into extension 50, keeping the various hingepieces assembled.

Each carpet chain 38 is comprised of a bracket 55 and attachedcomponents. Each bracket 55 is slidably mounted upon a leg 33. A setscrew 56 is threaded into threads in bracket 55 and bears against leg 33fixing bracket 55 in position. A brace 57 extending from bracket 55supports an extended outer tubular member 59 which extends along thelength of the carpet stretching apparatus between legs 33. An elongatedslot is formed in member 59 along its length. A second tubular member 58is placed inside a member 59. Member 58 likewise has a slot extendingalong its length. Rods 60 are threaded into member 58 and extend throughslots 59a formed radially in members 59. Each rod 60 is threaded toreceive a wing nut 61. When each rod 60 is at one end of slot 59a, asshown in FIGURE 12, the longitudinal slots in members 58 and 59 are inalignment and will receive the mat 53 and nap 54 of a carpet to bestretched. After the end of the carpet is inserted, each rod 60 is movedtoward the other end of slot 59a, moving the longitudinal slots out ofregister and gripping the end of the carpet.

Additional sections such as 33a, 41a, and 42a may be fitted to theexisting frames to form a frame of greater width. The extensions of thehinge members receive the bars extending between the hinges, inserts maybe employed with the stretcher bars and with the clamps. The legs 33 maybe lengthened by using extensions and inserts which increase theirlength.

The apparatus is employed in much the same manner as the apparatus shownin FIGURES l to 7. The apparatus is spread flat, the clamps positioned,and the carpet ends are placed and fastened in the clamps. The frameassembly is then folded as shown in FIGURE 9 and the carpet is dried tothe desired length.

While I have described and illustrated certain present preferredembodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limitmyself thereto and that my invention may be otherwise variouslypracticed within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

l. In a carpet stretcher for stretching carpet material and maintainingit stretched to a desired length while the material drys, a pair ofgenerally planar frame members adapted to have the carpet stretchedthereover substantially in the plane of the frame members, each framemember having a generally rectangular outline and each having one edgegenerally offset from the plane of the frame members, hinge meanshingedly connecting the olfset extremities of the frame members, andcarpet end gripping means affixed to each frame member and extendinggenerally parallel to the offset edge of said frame member andsubstantially in the frame of the frame member whereby the distancebetween said carpet gripping means along said planar frame members isgreater when said frame members are folded than when they are flattened.

2. In a carpet stretcher for stretching wet carpet material andmaintaining it stretched to a desired length while the material drys, apair of generally planar frame members, each having a generallyrectangular shape but having one edge bent out of the plane of saidframe member, hinge means hingedly connecting the olfset edges of saidframes, carpet and gripping means aixed to each frame member, extendinggenerally parallel to the olset edges of the frame member substantiallyin the plane of the frame member and adjustable toward and away from theoiTset edge whereby the distance between said carpet gripping meansalong said planar frame members is greater when said frame members arefolded than when they are flattened.

3. A carpet stretcher for stretching carpet material and maintaining itstretched to precise length while said material drys, ycomprising a pairof frame members formed by tubular members which may be added toconstruct frames of larger size for drying larger carpets, the tubularmembers of each frame member forming a generally planar structure whichis generally cylindrical along one edge, hinge means joining the edgesof the frame members along the side thereof which has been developed ingenerally cylindrical form, stretcher members extending axially alongthe cylindrical shape adjacent the frame members and forcing carpetmaterial to follow the curve of the frame members, carpet gripping meansextending along the frame members axially of the cylindrical portion ofsaid frame members but at a distance therefrom, said carpet grippingmeans being adjustable along the frame member toward and away from thegenerally cylindrical section whereby the distance between said carpetgripping means along said planar frame members is greater when saidframe members are folded than when they are flattened.

4. Carpet stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which the hingemeans include extensions extending axially of the axis of rotation ofthe hinge whereby additional sections may be added to the frame membersthereby increasing the size of the frame member.

5. Carpet stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which the carpetgripping apparatus comprises concentric arranged tubular members inwhich slots are formed axially of the tubular members, said tubularmembers being relatively rotatable to bring their respective slots intoand out of registration for freeing and clamping a carpet end, andclamping means effective to clamp the tubular members in relative xedposition restrained against relative rotation.

6. A carpet stretcher for stretching carpet material and maintaining itsstretched to a desired length while the material drys comprising a pairof generally planar frame members, each frame member being formed in agenerally cylindrical shape along one side whereby the edge of the framealong that side of the frame is bent out of the plane of the frame,stretcher members adjacent the generally cylindrical position of theframe to require carpet stretched on the frame to follow the curve ofthe frame, carpet gripping means fixed to the frame generally parallelto the axis of the cylindrical portion and adjustable toward and awayfrom said cylindrical portion, hinge means hingedly connecting theoffset edges of the two frame members, and means to hold the framemembers in a folded position whereby the distance between said carpetgripping means along said planar frame members is greater when saidframe members are folded than when they are flattened and whereby carpetmaterial placed on the frames when they are in a attened position isstretched and maintained in stretched position until it drys.

7. A carpet stretcher as set forth in claim 6 in which the carpet clampcomprises a concentric tubular member having axial slots, said tubularmembers being relatively rotatable whereby the slots are movable in andout of register to release and clamp carpet ends inserted in said slots,said tubular members having clamping means in operative connectiontherewith whereby the tubular members may be xed in carpet grippingposition.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS444,230 Strauss Ian. 6, 1891 463,667 Meisenbach Nov. 24, 1891 1,050,017Hansen Ian. 7, 1913 2,360,718 Philbrick Oct. 17, 1944

1. IN A CARPET STRETCHER FOR STRETCHING CARPET MATERIAL AND MAINTIANINGIT STRETCHED TO A DESIRED LENGTH WHILE THE MATERIAL DRYS, A PAIR OFGENERALLY PLANAR FRAME MEMBERS ADAPTED TO HAVE THE CARPET STRETCHEDTHEREOVER SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE PLANE OF THE FRAME MEMBERS, EACH FRAMEMEMBER HAVING A GENERALLY RECTANGULAR OU LINE AND EACH HAVING ONE EDGEGENERALLY OFFSET FROM THE PLANE OF THE FRAME MEMBERS, HINGE MEANSHINGEDLY CONNECTING THE OFFSET EXTREMITIES OF THE FRAME MEMBERS, ANDCARPET END GRIPPING MEANS AFFIXED TO EACH FRAME MEMBER AND EXTENDINGGENERALLY PARALLEL TO THE OFFSET EDGE OF SAID FRAME MEMBER ANDSUBSTANTIALLY IN THE FRAME OF THE FRAME MEMBER WHEREBY THE DISTANCEBETWEEN SAID CARPET GRIPPING